Ming Dynasty Detective 1546

Chapter 212 Officials Praise the Imperial Street, Qionglin Attends the Banquet

Anglo-Saxon Society.

Early in the morning.

The martial arts school became more lively than ever before. The head of the school, Hai Hao, appeared with his wife, Zhu Lin. With a wave of his hand, he was followed by Old Fan and a group of strong and powerful men, who excitedly went out onto the street.

Compared to the announcement of names in front of the Fengtian Hall, which is difficult for outsiders to see, today's grand banquet is a royal street parade in which all the people of the capital are fortunate enough to participate!

The Imperial Street Parade of Officials, also known as the Jinshi Parade, refers to the process where the top three scholars led a group of Jinshi to the left gate of Chang'an to watch the officials post the list of successful candidates in the imperial examinations, and then went to the Qionglin Banquet.

The starting point was still the imperial city, where the three leading officials changed into crimson court robes and wore red flowers in their gauze hats.

The top scholar wears a flower in the middle, the second-place scholar wears a flower on the left, and the third-place scholar wears a flower on the right. Their positions are also like this, and they are quite symmetrical when viewed from the front.

The officials from the Ministry of Rites carried the list of successful candidates at the front, the top three scholars walked in the middle, and the rest of the successful candidates were divided into two rows and walked behind.

The paths we walk on are not the same.

The top three scholars, Lin Daqin, Hai Yue, and Li Qidong, walked along the imperial road, while everyone else walked on the side.

This imperial road was reserved for the emperor; even the empress dowager and empress could not walk on it on ordinary days, let alone their subjects.

Every three years, three talented scholars would achieve the highest rank in the imperial examinations, a truly supreme honor for the millions of scholars across the land.

Haiyue hadn't thought much of it before, just walking along the imperial road. But now, walking on the imperial road and seeing the officials, imperial guards, and eunuchs standing at attention and saluting on both sides, she inexplicably felt like she was witnessing a grand military parade, waving to both sides from inside a carriage. It was indeed quite exhilarating.

Lin Daqin's legs felt weak, and he slowed his pace, wishing the walk would never end.

After a good half hour, we finally arrived at Taihe Gate, passed through the Central Gate (which was still reserved for the emperor), and arrived at Meridian Gate.

The guards on duty had already opened the main gate and the side gates. The top three scholars entered through the main gate, while the officials from the Ministry of Rites led the other newly appointed scholars through the side gates.

As soon as they exited the Meridian Gate, the honor guard appeared.

Guided by drums, music, and imperial processions, the group exited through Duanmen and Chengtianmen in turn, finally arriving at Chang'an Left Gate in the northeast corner of Damingmen.

The list of successful candidates in the imperial examinations was always displayed at the left gate of Chang'an, hence the name Dragon Gate. At this time, it was decorated in a grand and festive manner, with a temporary dragon pavilion erected and large lanterns made of red silk cloth everywhere in sight.

Haiyue and her two companions led the way into the dragon pavilion to watch the officials from the Court of State Ceremonies and the Ministry of Rites post the list of successful candidates.

The rankings had already been revealed during the announcement of names, but at this moment, looking at the magnificent list and thinking about their hard work over the past ten or even decades, finally securing a place on this prestigious list, many scholars still couldn't help but shed tears, sobbing uncontrollably.

After the list of successful candidates was posted, an official draped a large red silk ribbon diagonally over Haiyue and the other two, and tied a large red flower around their necks.

At the same time, the military officer brought in three tall, fine horses with saddles dyed gold and whips woven from gold thread.

Lin Daqin and Li Qidong carefully mounted their horses using stools, while Haiyue moved with much more ease, leaping onto her tall steed, holding a golden whip, and leading the way.

The other successful candidates did not receive this treatment; they followed on foot and entered Chang'an Imperial Street together.

Previously, the Imperial Road was for the emperor to walk on within the palace, but now the Imperial Street is for the emperor to travel outside the palace. Of course, it is impossible to completely prohibit pedestrians from walking here.

As the palace gates opened, a lively commotion immediately erupted from outside.

The gongs and drums were blaring, firecrackers were blaring, red flags were fluttering, and there were huge crowds.

Today, the capital city was truly deserted. The people of the capital flocked to the streets of Chang'an. The roadside, shops, and the windows of private rooms in restaurants and teahouses were all packed with people. Everyone stood on tiptoe and craned their necks just to catch a glimpse of the newly appointed Jinshi.

Haihao, who had been waiting on the street with his men, pointed and laughed loudly, "Look! Look! That tallest and bravest one is my son! My son!"

Even when wearing the same clothes, compared to the thin and somewhat sickly Lin Daqin, and the short and ordinary-looking Li Qidong, the tall and handsome Hai Yue definitely stood out from the crowd.

Almost immediately, everyone's eyes fell on the handsome second-place finisher, marveling at his appearance and congratulating Hai Hao on his behalf.

"Hahaha--"

Haihao grinned as he followed the group, his hearty laughter echoing all the way.

Zhu Lin looked at her son's dashing figure with a satisfied expression, but then her gaze fell on a fleeting figure across the way, and she murmured, "Who is that?"

Yan Xiu stepped aside and slipped into a corner, then turned to Xiao Chuan, who was also looking at the procession of scholars with envy, and said, "How was it? Wasn't it impressive?"

Xiaochuan nodded repeatedly, then sighed, "It's a pity I can't concentrate on reading. Those Four Books and Five Classics are so tiring to read!"

Yan Xiu rubbed his head: "Then don't study. Don't envy those Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations). Their glory is paved by countless failures who could never pass the exam in their entire lives. In the end, they still have to engage in backstabbing and intrigue in the officialdom. It's not as carefree as being a wanderer in the martial arts world!" Xiao Chuan said "Oh," and suddenly asked, "Brother, who were you avoiding just now?"

"I need to avoid meeting someone I know. I recognize her, but she might not recognize me, so it's best to avoid seeing her..."

Yan Xiu glanced at Hai Yue on the tall horse and smiled, "So there's this connection between us. Ha, what a coincidence!"

Putting aside this minor incident, in order to prevent the capital from being congested for too long and causing accidents, the scholars on Chang'an Street walked much faster.

With flags and drums leading the way, carrying lanterns for the top scholar, and bearing official plaques and flags, the procession was lively and bustling. Finally, they arrived at the venue for the Qionglin Banquet.

The Qionglin Banquet was officially called the "Enrong Banquet" in the Ming Dynasty, but people are still used to this classic old name.

At the height of their success in passing the imperial examinations and being honored with their official positions on the main street, the imperial court would host a banquet for all the successful candidates. It was an event filled with climaxes, enough to make one faint with excitement.

Of course, if His Majesty were to actually come, everyone would feel uncomfortable eating, so those who were actually present were the Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet, the heads of various ministries, and the Hanlin Academicians.

The Imperial Banquet was hosted by Grand Secretary Zhang Cong, with Grand Secretaries Li Shi and Yan Song in attendance.

The top three scholars sat at one table, while the other five sat at another.

They ate delicious food and drank fine wine, while the sounds of reed pipes and drums filled the air.

Encouraged by the Grand Secretaries, the newly appointed scholars finally abandoned their inhibitions, indulging in unrestrained behavior, drinking and making merry.

In this situation, Haiyue couldn't completely abstain from alcohol. However, unlike the others who accepted every drink offered, even Lin Daqin was forced to drink heavily, Haiyue skillfully moved between the various tables.

Everyone's attitude towards him was a mixture of enthusiasm and respect.

Lin Daqin's talent is admirable, and Haiyue's imperial favor is enviable. The former's top ranking is universally acknowledged, while the latter's second-place finish reflects the fairness of the imperial examination system.

Therefore, everyone had no more reservations and treated the runner-up with great enthusiasm. Some even jokingly gave him the nickname "Sea of ​​Sanya" based on his previous two wins in the Asian Cup.

As for respect, that is related to one's career path.

From today onwards, everyone will be removed from their official robes and officially enter the imperial court as officials.

While the top scholar in the imperial examinations is undoubtedly number one, when it comes to official careers, who can ignore the influence of the Yixin Society?

Not to mention that this small company is now full of elites, those who are interested have also noticed the progress of Xu Jie, a compiler in the Hanlin Academy, into the Six Ministries. Although Xu Jie has completed three years of service in the Hanlin Academy, it seems that his entry into the Ministry of Rites is in accordance with regulations. However, in the officialdom, it would be too naive to think that what is in accordance with regulations is a matter of course.

The fact that they could now pass the imperial examinations alongside the leader of the Yixin Society has given many ambitious new scholars a glimpse of a shortcut to success.

Instead of painstakingly accumulating seniority step by step, why not take advantage of this grand event, raise a glass, and forge good relationships?
Haiyue had already made her choice in her heart. She silently noted down those who raised their glasses to flatter her, but she didn't necessarily put them on the blacklist. However, it was absolutely impossible for her to make him lose control while drinking.

She moved among the various seats in this manner, and when the time was right, Haiyue gracefully withdrew and came to the chairman, Yan Song, to pay her respects. She said solemnly, "I am grateful for the kindness of Grand Secretary Yan, who has spared me the honor of being ranked as the top scholar, thus saving me from the danger of standing out too much!"

The discussion about the palace examination had spread, and while the court and the public praised Jiajing for his fairness, Haiyue saw through his tricks at a glance. She was quite grateful for Yan Song's advice and realized that if anyone understood Jiajing best, it would probably be this Grand Secretary Yan, who was still able to rise to prominence later in life.

Hearing such a sincere attitude, Yan Song stroked his beard and smiled. In such an occasion, he would naturally not address him as "nephew," but rather said with a hint of teasing, "I was worried that Mingwei would resent me for giving you an extra nickname, Sanya! Haha!"

Haiyue always felt that Yan Song's expression when he looked at her contained not only relief but also a touch of bitterness, and she vaguely guessed the reason.

Just as he was about to speak, an official from the Ministry of Rites came to his side and handed him a card: "Hai, the second-place scholar, this is a personal invitation from Grand Secretary Zhang, who has specially ordered me to present it!"

Zhang Cong was not in good health. After giving his opening remarks at the Qionglin Banquet, he had already returned to the back hall to rest, but the invitations that had been prepared in advance were still being distributed.

Not only Haiyue, but also Lin Daqin, Li Qidong, and several other top-ranked individuals in the second class, including Hai Rui, all received invitations from officials of the Ministry of Rites.

This is the guest list for Xiao Enrong's banquet.

The Grand Banquet, needless to say, was the one officially hosted, while the Small Banquet was a private banquet held by the Grand Secretary for the newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations).

Commonly known as taking sides.

For example, Wang Shenzhong and Chen Shu, two of the Eight Talented Scholars of the Jiajing era, refused Zhang Cong's small banquet after passing the imperial examination and did not curry favor with this powerful new patron of the Rites Controversy, and were thus suppressed to varying degrees.

At this moment, the hall fell into a brief silence.

Some accepted the gift with smiles on their faces, some remained silent with furrowed brows, and several others turned their heads at the same time and looked at Haiyue.

(End of this chapter)